Sam Reinhart to play some at center

The Buffalo Sabres report to training camp at Key Bank Center today and new Head Coach Phil Housley was the first one at the lectern.

One comment that he made was that we will see Sam Reinhart play “some” at center.

That’s good, for multiple reasons, here’s why.

Flexibility: We’ve seen Reinhart play mostly wing, but if he does play some at center, Housley will be able to use him wherever. Yes, he would need to improve at defensive face-offs, but him putting time and work into it will only help him.

Underrated defense: Watching him his first couple seasons playing on the defensive side of the ice, I’d have to say he’s good. He’s definitely better than what some people claim him to be. At center, he will have a big responsibility down the middle of the ice, I think he can handle that.

Smart hockey player: As I said before, Sam Reinhart has got to be one of the smartest players on this team. His thinking of the game and passing ability is off the charts. Something I’ve seen since his first time up here when he had his 9 game stint. He knows where to put the puck before the play happens. His hockey intellect will only help him make a smooth transition at center.